DA to upgrade regional diagnostic, analytical lab

The Department of Agriculture is in the process of upgrading its Regional Diagnostic and Analytical Laboratory as one of the avian flu preparedness efforts in the country.

DA regional director Eduardo Lecciones said they are focusing on the upgrading of their regional laboratories in order for them to do the analysis and screening of blood samples taken from animals in the region.

"We usually send our samples to the central office that is why it would take two to three days before we could get the results. We are now upgrading our laboratory in order for us to detect the results immediately," Lecciones said.

He stressed that foreign donors have pledged to fund the upgrading program, adding that they are set to receive P1 million for such undertaking.

Avian flu has already hit Asia, Europe and Canada.

According to the recent data of the World Health Organization, bird flu had affected at least 265 people in the world, of whom 159 have died of the disease.

The avian flu virus called Influenza A is contagious, like the ordinary flu, and transmitted from one host to another by "air, land and sea."

According to Lecciones, the best way to keep the virus away is to keep clean and healthy.

"Wash your hands, especially before handling food, drinking water, etc. and people too. The very young and the moderately to the very old are so vulnerable to this infection. Stay away from crowded areas. Besides observing cleanliness, and good cough-sneeze manners, cover your mouth. Eat healthy, live healthy and exercise," he added.

The virus that has been known to only infect birds has now mutated into one that can infect pigs and humans. The flu strain, which is called H5N1, can enter the country through infected travelers (human or avian) from countries where the infection is active.

Because of this, Lecciones said they are strictly coordinating with the police, customs and local government units in monitoring the entry points. "Our government has placed heat (fever) detectors, footbaths to kill the bacteria in our ports and airports to help screen-out possible sick travelers."

Aside from that, he said that monitoring the Olango Island has been done regularly to prevent the entry of the virus, adding that they are getting blood samples from migratory birds coming in and out of the island.

"We are watching closely and we are asking the public to please watch out for dead wild birds. Report any strange sightings that may be related to avian flu report it to the nearest Department of Health or Department of Agriculture office. If you have to dispose of the dead animal wear gloves, burn it or bury it well so other animals will not be able to dig it out," he said.

Lecciones said adequate measures, including information dissemination and frequent inspection and monitoring of poultry farms, must be in place. - Jasmin R. Uy